Summer in the city

By Audrey Esther, News9.com INsite Team

You may have put off your summer vacation or stayed close to home because of high gas prices. However, if you think there's nothing to do in the metro, then think again. There are plenty of summer days left to get out there and enjoy all the city has to offer.

THE PASEO ARTS DISTRICT                                                          

Take a walk or stroll up and down the Historic Paseo Arts District. Built during the 1920s the Paseo District is the state's only artists' community. It has been known for different things throughout its almost 80-year history. In recent past it was reffered to as a ‘hippie hangout' but it is now known as a thriving arts community that's not just about art.

"It's a perfect mix of having just about 50 percent artists and 50 percent retailers and restaurants," Craig Travis owner of Craig's Emporium said. "Just to go do one or the other just isn't that much fun."

Craig's Emporium, an eclectic gift shop with items from around the world, has been a Paseo staple for more than 13 years. You'll find this unique gift shop along with several restaurants, clothing boutiques and a yoga studio scattered amongst art galleries.

It's recommended that patrons call ahead for store hours as hours of operation vary from business to business.

OSU-OKC DOWNTOWN FARMER'S MARKET 

Find fresh cut flowers, handmade soaps and of course locally grown produce at the OSU-OKC downtown farmer's market. Every Wednesday dozens of vendor's from across the state fill Couch Park with a variety of items that are either made or grown in Oklahoma.

"It gives you the opportunity to get out and enjoy Oklahoma City, be downtown, and buy fresh and enjoy yourself," Cheryl Camp OSU-OKC Farmer's Market manager said.

This downtown farmer's market is open from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Skirvin Hilton Hotel executive chef Andrew Black is a downtown farmer's market regular. Each week he demonstrates how to prepare market items into a meal.

ROCKTOWN CLIMBING GYM

For an outdoor activity that's well off the beaten path head to Rocktown Climbing Gym. Located south of south of Bricktown the gym is easily viewable while driving south on I-40. It's unique location is as unique as the gym itself because instead of climbing a rock wall you climb 90 foot grain silos.

"It's pretty unique to have climbing opportunities in the central part of the state," Aaron Gibson Rocktown Climbing Gym owner said.

Gibbson said rock climbing is largely an underground sport in Oklahoma, but hopes that he and his gym will change that.

COCKTAILS ON THE SKYLINE

Get a great view of the city at Rocktown Climbing Gym but also get a great view of the city on the roof top of the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Thursday and Friday nights head to the museum's rooftop terrace and order up your favorite drink at Cocktails on the Skyline.

"We're just a cool art museum," Leslie Spears communications manager for the Oklahoma City Museum of Art said. "We're more than a museum and we want to be encompassing."

The price of admission to Cockctails on the Skyline also includes admission to the museum's Roman Art from The Louvre exhibition.

OKLAHOMA SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK

A few blocks away at the Myriad Botanical Gardens Water Stage local actors bring Shakespeare to life. Live productions of Shakespearian plays take place all summer long at Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park.

"There's something special about live theater you just can't get watching it on film or on TV," OSP actor Ben Hall said.

This summer OSP presents The Three Musketeers, Much Ado About Nothing and Richard III. All plays are done in a way that makes the more than 400 year-old playwright relevant to today's audience said artistic director Kathryn McGill.

"We obviously wouldn't do this if we weren't driven to do this," McGill said. "We believe in Shakespeare and we believe in classical theater."

For details about each location and event please see the Interactive Map. Watch extra videos and extended interviews by clicking on the video galleries.